Editorial Feedback

January 10, 2007

TAXPAYERS' BURDEN

Basically I agree with the writer about ex-Hampton City Manager George Wallace ("Hampton's secrecy," Jan. 5). The City Council members should pay if they made a mistake in firing anyone. Unfortunately, we taxpayers have to do it.

David R. Clark III

HAMPTON PRIORITIES

I truly hope the Hampton City Council will consider keeping "green space" such as Buckroe Beach and other areas in the city. First complete the development of the Buckroe fishing pier, Coliseum Central, downtown and North King Street before tearing up the little bit of undeveloped land left in Hampton. Of course, the thought of "taking over" Fort Monroe should not even be a consideration until Hampton finishes the existing projects. Consider rebuilding dilapidated shopping centers and vacant buildings for new business ventures. It's time to start thinking economically and environmentally smart about land use and taxpayers' money. If you were a visitor or tourist in Hampton, other than its history, what would draw your attention or interest to stay?

Laurie Paquin

HELICOPTER USE

Reference your editorial on helicopters ("Not in your back yard," Jan. 3), you are correct; helicopters do not belong in residential areas. However, since Greg Garrett owns a 21/2- to 3-acre island across the water from the closest neighbor, he has every right to get permission to occasionally land a helicopter there. Helicopters have landed at sporting events, at athletic fields, at different areas under special exception -- this is a special exception.

Alan Preisser

Editor's response: We agree, helicopters don't belong in residential areas. Local zoning determines what is residential and what isn't. We see nothing about Garrett's situation that makes it a special exception.

WHAT IF ...

While reading the Jan. 9 letter "The mission" by John Marshell, it made me realize that this administration has really put us in a situation that it appears we can't win. The expense of repairing and rebuilding Iraq, and more money being requested, makes a taxpayer sick, not to mention all the deaths and seriously wounded incurred. Gee, just think, if that $500 billion had stayed in our country we could have solved many of our own needs, such as Social Security, health care, education -- and the list could go on and on. What a shame.

Charles Cooper

PARDON COMMENT DOESN'T WASH

Regarding the Jan. 5 letter "Pardon was a mistake." Commenting that President Ford's pardoning of President Nixon was a mistake is like blaming the hurricane on the present president George Bush -- it's silly, ridiculous and it doesn't wash.